Method and system for online and remote speech disorders therapy

ABSTRACT

A method and device for enabling remote speech disorder therapy are presented. The method includes setting a first device with at least one exercise to be performed during a current therapy session, wherein each exercise includes at least a difficulty parameter; receiving a voice production of a user of the first device; processing the received voice production to evaluate a correct execution of the voice production respective of the at least one difficulty parameter; generating a feedback based on the analysis; and outputting the generated feedback to the first device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62/098,355 filed on Dec. 31, 2014, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to the field of speech teaching solutions, and more particularly to a system and methods for remotely training persons with speech disorders to speak fluently.

BACKGROUND

Speech disorders are one of the most prevalent disabilities in the world. Generally, speech disorders are classified as fluency disorders, voice disorders, motor speech disorders, and speech sound disorders. As one example, stuttering is classified as a fluency disorder in the rhythm of speech in which a person knows precisely what to say, but is unable to communicate or speak in accordance with his or her intent.

Many clinical therapy techniques for speech disorders are disclosed in the related art. Conventional techniques for treating speech disorders and, in particular, anti-stuttering techniques, are commonly based on regulating the breath and controlling the rate of speech. To this end, speech therapists train their patients to improve their fluency. Such conventional techniques were found effective, in the short-term, as a speech disorder is predominantly a result of poorly coordinated speech production muscles.

In more details, one common stutter therapy technique is fluency shaping, in which a therapist trains a person (a stuttering patient) to improve his or her speech fluency through the altering of various motor skills. Such skills include the abilities to control breathing; to gently increase, at the beginning of each phrase, vocal volume and laryngeal vibration to speak slower and with prolonged vowel sounds; to enable continuous phonation; and to reduce articulatory pressure.

The speech motor skills are taught in the clinic while the therapist models the behavior and provides verbal feedback as the person learns to perform the motor skill. As the person develops speech motor control, the person increases rate and prosody of his or her speech until it sounds normal. During the final stage of the therapy, when the speech is fluent and sounds normal in the clinic, the person is trained to practice the acquired speech motor skills in his or her everyday life activities.

When fluency shaping therapy is successful, the stuttering is significantly improved or even eliminated. However, this therapy requires continuous training and practice in order to maintain effective speech fluency. As a result, the conventional techniques for practicing fluency shaping therapy are not effective for people suffering from stuttering. This is mainly because not all persons are capable of developing the target speech motor skills in the clinic, and even if such skills are developed, such skills are not easily transferable into everyday conversations. In other word, a patient can learn to speak fluently in the clinic, but will likely revert to stuttering outside of the clinic.

Therefore, the continuous practicing of speech motor skills is key to successful fluency shaping therapy. Consequently, the dependency on therapists and on frequent visits to clinics reduces the success rate of the fluency-shaping therapy. For example, a patient who waits a few days or weeks between therapy sessions may be more prone to stuttering than patients who more frequently attend therapy. Lack of regular practice between therapy sessions further deteriorates the effectiveness of the therapy.

In the related art, various electronic devices are designed to improve the outcome of the anti-stuttering therapies, including fluency-shaping therapy. Such devices are primarily used to reduce the fear and anxiety associated with stuttering, to allow immediate speech fluency, to alter speech muscle activities by altering vocal perception (motoric audition devices), and to develop awareness and control of speech motor skills (biofeedback devices).

A primary disadvantage of existing devices for reducing stuttering is that such devices cannot be used to train patients remotely and, specifically, to remotely train speech motor skills that are essential for the success of a fluency shaping therapy. For example, one electronic device used to reduce stuttering is an electromyography (EMG) device that displays the activity of individual muscles. Using the EMG device outside of the clinics does not provide a real-time indication to the therapist of how the patient performs. Thus, the therapist cannot provide guidelines or modify the therapy session as the patient practices.

The conventional solutions for therapy outside of clinics are very limited in their functionality. Such solutions are typically based on a server computing a speech therapy assessment based on voice data received from a remote device of a person. The speech therapy assessment is performed respective of a specified clinical moderation. Then, a speech therapy technique is suggested to the patient. The conventional solutions for therapy outside of clinics provide basics means for suggesting a therapy. However, existing solutions face challenges in assessing the best therapy method merely by analyzing speech features, as there are no known symptoms for such disorders.

Furthermore, the conventional solutions cannot efficiently implement procedures for fluency shaping therapy. For example, such solutions fail to provide any means for closely monitoring and providing real-time feedback to the patient practicing speech motor skills and overseeing the treatment. As another example, a patient having difficulty to perform one of the exercises may feel frustration, thereby increasing the fear and anxiety associated with patient stuttering. This would achieve the opposite effect of the desired outcome.

It would therefore be advantageous to provide an efficient solution for remote speech disorders therapy.

SUMMARY

A summary of several example embodiments of the disclosure follows. This summary is provided for the convenience of the reader to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments and does not wholly define the breadth of the disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all aspects nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. For convenience, the term some embodiments may be used herein to refer to a single embodiment or multiple embodiments of the disclosure.

Certain embodiments disclosed herein include a method for enabling remote speech disorder therapy. The method comprises setting a first device with at least one exercise to be performed during a current therapy session, wherein each exercise includes at least a difficulty parameter; receiving a voice production of a user of the first device; processing the received voice production to evaluate a correct execution of the voice production respective of the at least one difficulty parameter; generating a feedback based on the analysis; and outputting the generated feedback to the first device.

Certain embodiments disclosed herein also include a device for enabling remote speech disorder therapy. The device comprises an interface for receiving a voice production of a user of a first user device; a processing unit; and a memory coupled to the processing unit, the memory containing instructions that, when executed by the processing unit, configure the device to: set the first user device with at least one exercise to be performed during a current therapy session, wherein each exercise includes at least a difficulty parameter; receive the voice production of the user of the first device; analyze the received voice production to evaluate a correct execution of the voice production respective of the at least one difficulty parameter; generate a feedback respective of the analysis; and output the generated feedback to the first device.

Certain embodiments disclosed herein also include a method for monitoring a speech of a user. The method comprises capturing, by a user device, a voice production during a conversation of the user; analyzing the voice production to detect at least a fluency shaping error; upon detecting the fluency shaping error, generating an instructive notification for improving the speech of the user during the conversation.

Certain embodiments disclosed herein also include a device for monitoring a speech of a user, comprising: an interface for receiving a voice production of a user of a first user device; a processing unit; and a memory coupled to the processing unit, the memory containing instructions that, when executed by the processing unit, configure the device to: set the first user device with at least one exercise to be performed during a current therapy session, wherein each exercise includes at least a difficulty parameter; capture, by a user device, the voice production during a conversation of the user; analyze the voice production to detect at least a fluency shaping error; upon detecting the fluency shaping error, generate an instructive notification for improving the speech of the user during the conversation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter disclosed herein is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a remote speech therapy system utilized to describe the various disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a graphical interface for setting various parameters of a target template of a speech therapy exercise.

FIG. 3 is a screenshot illustrating various speech therapy exercises.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are screenshots illustrating a target template and a visual representation of a voice sound produced by a patient.

FIG. 5 is a screenshot illustrating a breathing indicator.

FIG. 6 is a screenshot illustrating a speech rate monitor.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating processing voice signals for providing an immediate visual feedback with respect to the performance of a patient according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a graph utilized to describe detection of a too soft error.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for enabling remote speech disorder therapy according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is important to note that the embodiments disclosed herein are only examples of the many advantageous uses of the innovative techniques herein. In general, statements made in the specification of the present application do not necessarily limit any of the various claimed embodiments. Moreover, some statements may apply to some inventive features but not to others. In general, unless otherwise indicated, singular elements may be in plural and vice versa with no loss of generality. In the drawings, like numerals refer to like parts through several views.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary and non-limiting diagram of a remote speech therapy system 100 utilized to describe the various disclosed embodiments. The system 100 includes a network 110, a plurality of user devices 120-1 through 120-n (hereinafter referred to individually as a user device 120 and collectively as user devices 120, merely for simplicity purposes), a server 130, and a database 140.

The network 110 may be the Internet, the world-wide-web (WWW), a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and other networks configured to communicate between the elements of the 110. Each user device 120 may be a personal computer (PC), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a wearable computer device, a game console, and the like.

In a non-limiting example, the user device 120-1 is utilized by a person (e.g., a stuttering patient) and will be referred to hereinafter as the “patient device” 120-1, and the user device 120-n is utilized by a speech therapist and will be referred to hereinafter as the “therapist device” 120-n. It should be noted that one or more patient devices can communicate with a single therapist device, and multiple therapist devices can communicate with one or more patient devices. For the sake of simplicity of the discussion, only one therapist device and one therapist device are shown in FIG. 1. It should be noted that a patient device can be operated by any person who may or may not suffer from a speech disorder.

Each of the devices 120 is configured to communicate with the server 130. The server 130, according to the disclosed embodiments, is configured to monitor, execute, and control a speech therapy session between the patient device 120-1 and the therapist device 120-n. The interface between the devices 120 and the server 130 may be realized through, for example, a web interface, an application installed on the devices 120, a script executed on each of the devices 120, and the like. In an embodiment, each user device 120 is installed with an agent 125 configured to perform the disclosed techniques. In certain configurations, the agent 125 can operate and be implemented as a stand-alone program and/or can communicate and be integrated with other programs or applications executed in the user device 120. Examples for a stand-alone program may include a web application, a mobile application, and the like.

In an embodiment, an audio/video communication channel may be established between the therapist device 120-n and the patient device 120-1. This enables, for example, the therapist to view and listen to the patient, and to demonstrate to the patient the correct way to perform an exercise. The audio/video communication channel can be a peer-to-peer connection between the devices 120-1 and 120-n or through the server 130. To this end, an audio/video channel is established between the devices 120-1 and 120-n to allow direction communication between the patient and the therapist. In an embodiment, the audio/video channel can be established before or during a therapy session. The channel, in one embodiment, is established over HTTP. In an embodiment, an agent 125 of each respective device 120 is configured to stream video streams from one device to another over the established channel.

It should be noted that the patient using the device 120-1 can practice without the therapist being connected through the device 120-n. The agent 125, in part under the control of the server 130, may be configured to provide an immediate feedback to the patient's performance respective of the preset target specification.

Specifically, as will be discussed in greater detail below, the agent 125 is configured to conduct a fluency shaping therapy. As noted above, such therapy requires exact and specific execution by the patient. To this end, the agent 125 is configured to capture sound samples from that patient device 120-1, to analyze the sound samples, to provide an immediate visual feedback to the patient device 120-1 and preferably also to the therapist device 120-n, and to check whether the patient performance meets a predefined target template.

Each agent 125 ensures that the speech production is timed carefully, continued for a pre-determined amount of time, and produced in a very specific manner with a great deal of control. The visual feedbacks rendered by an agent 125 and displayed over the respective user device 120 guarantee that the patient feedback is only based on the patient's performance. The objective feedbacks allow the patient to speak with the required precision. In an embodiment, the objective feedbacks are realized through visual cues used to define the amount of time to prolong the syllable or word. In an embodiment, colors may be used to illustrate the various elements of voice production. These elements help the patient focus on producing speech that is more exact and, therefore, more correct.

According to some embodiments, the therapy of a person is structured as a course. During the course, the patient learns techniques for improving speech fluency using the system 100. Specifically, the server 130 is configured to authenticate a patient using the patient device 120-1 who wishes to initiate a therapy session. The server 130 retrieves, from the database 140, exercises that should be performed during the session, and sets the agent 125-1 (operable in the patient device 120-1) with the information related to the exercises. If a therapist is also part of the session, the server 130 is configured to also send this information to an agent 125-n (operable in the therapist device 120-n). In this case, the server 130 is further configured to establish a peer-2-peer channel (e.g., over HTTP) between the devices 120-1 and 120-n.

The agent 125-1 is configured to analyze the user's performance relative to the target template. A target template predefines the specifications for performing the expected vocal productions of an exercise. The agent 125-1 is configured to render a visual feedback respective of the user's performance, the target template, and the comparisons' results. The visual feedback can be rendered by the agent 125-n to display on the therapist device 120-n (if connected). In this embodiment, the processing is performed by the agent 125-1, which communicates the results of the processing to the agent 125-n. The agent 125-n renders visual feedback respective of the processing results. In an embodiment, a progress report is generated at the end of each session detailing the patient's performance.

The main purpose of the course is to ease the process and to improve the effectiveness of learning a new manner of speaking which, in turn, leads to more fluent speech patterns. In addition, the server 130 is configured to adjust, in real time, to the patient's progress. The server 130 is further configured to determine, based on the progress reports, progress indicators such as, but not limited to, the patient's current progress level, previous successes, difficulties, and errors. Based on the determined progress indicators, the server 130 is configured to create individualized stimuli for each practice session, thereby personalizing the experience for each user. Therefore, it should be appreciated that the structured, graduated and interactive course would allow a patient to produce fluent speech at a regulated speech rate in different spontaneous speaking situations.

The various embodiments will be discussed in more detail now. Each agent 125-1 may implement a feedback generator (not shown in FIG. 1). The feedback generator provides visual output respective of auditory input in the area of stuttering and improving speech fluency using, for example, the framework of remote therapy which integrates video chat between the patient device 120-1 and the therapist device 120-n. The feedback generator indicates speech fluency in an audio chat/video chat environment. During an online chat with one or more patients, the agent 125-1 is configured to generate a visual feedback to each patient regarding his/her use or performance of various fluency shaping techniques. Such visual feedback is provided in real time to each of the patients. In an embodiment, each patient can see the data (e.g., the generated visual feedback) in real time for each other patient. In another embodiment, each patient can only see visual information related to his or her own performance. Likewise, there may be a full central control for one individual participant in the chat. In an embodiment, the feedback generator can be used in chats between therapists and patients, including between one therapist and several clients, and between clients themselves (in a one on one session or in group sessions).

In yet another embodiment, the agent 125-1 is configured to generate a breathing indicator displayed on the patient device 120-1. The breathing indicator, once displayed on the patient device 120-1, provides a visual indication of the timing of inhalation or exhalation within a pre-determined time period. Identification and analysis of the use of breathing while practicing fluency shaping techniques helps to improve speech fluency.

In yet another embodiment, each agent 125 (e.g., the agent 125-1) is configured to perform an analysis of fluency shaping and to generate progress reports respective thereof. The analysis is of stimuli production in comparison to a known template of a fluency shaping technique, both during the practice session (analysis of the stimulus) and at the end of the practice session (analysis of all the stimuli in total). It should be noted that an efficient analysis in real time of the speech technique (based on the template) using the outer envelope of the speech signal (a superficial measure) provides the patient with a deeper understanding of his/her speech characteristics. The generated reports can be saved in the database 140 communicatively connected to the server 130.

In yet another embodiment, an agent 125 (e.g., an agent 125-1) is configured to track the patient activity and to report such activity to the server 130. The activity may be tracked with respect to the fluency shaping techniques as practiced by the patient and may include statistical data generated based on the tracked activity. Such data includes, but is not limited to, time spent practicing on a daily, weekly and/or monthly basis; error statistics; breathing statistics; statistics on the practice chats conducted with others; cumulative achieved perfect productions of patterns; and the data. The generated statistical data is saved in the database 140.

In an embodiment, tracking all data enables personalization of the therapy course for each patient, generation of an alert if the patient does not progress, modifications to the therapy course, and/or recommending a course or training session that is appropriate to the level of the patient. It should be appreciated that, by tracking the patient activity, the patient is encouraged to continue his/her practice and to achieve higher scores/ranks.

The therapist using the device 120-n can set a speech therapy course for each patient. Such a course is composed of multiple training sessions to be practiced. Each such session is composed of a set of exercises for practicing and improving the speech motor skills of the patient. In an embodiment, the set of exercises is designed to practice fluency shaping techniques, such as speech rate, phonation, gentle onset, and breathing. For each exercise, the therapist may define target specifications or templates visually presented to the patient via, e.g., the patient device 120. The settings for the course may be saved in the database 140 and can be modified at any time by the therapist.

In an embodiment, the therapist, upon accessing the server 130, may be provided, via the device 120-n, with an interface for setting the course, i.e., the training sessions and their exercises. An exemplary and non-limiting graphical interface 200 for setting various parameters of an exercise template as part of a treatment plan (or course) is depicted in FIG. 2. Progress bars 210 may be associated with parameters illustrated via parameter indicators. In an embodiment, the parameters may be differentiated by, but not limited to, different sizes, different shapes, different colors, and so on.

To start a therapy session, the patient logs in to the server 130 using the device 120-1. The server 130, upon authenticating the patient, retrieves the current therapy session to be practiced from the database 140. The therapy session is displayed, on the patient device 120-1, through an interface (e.g., a web-page) showing the various exercises that the person needs to practice during the therapy session.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary screenshot 300 depicting the various exercises 310 that the patient can practice during a therapy session. Examples for exercises 310 include, but are not limited to, fluency shaping exercises such as breathing, gentle voice onset, loud voice, voice transitions, syllables rate (e.g., two seconds per syllables, one second per syllables, etc.), controlled speech, speech at a varying rate, and so on. In the screenshot 300, a user has selected a two seconds per syllables exercise.

When an exercise 310 is selected, the server 130 is configured to render a visual target template 320 respective of the selected exercise and the level set for the user of the patient device 120-1. In an embodiment, the displayed visual target template 320 is timed based on voice production by the patient. In an exemplary implementation, the displayed visual target template is displayed as a shadow. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the target template 320 is a “shadow graph” representing target voice parameters and further displays the start and finish target for the voice production. The patient's voice production is depicted as a graph 330 overlaid over the shadow graph 320. Also displayed are boundaries 325 of the target template. As will be discussed below, the boundaries 325 are dynamically determined and displayed respective of the voice production. The boundaries 325 include start time 325-1, finish time 325-2, and peak 325-3 of the voice production.

It should be appreciated that display of the target template, e.g., as a shadow graph, allows the patient to produce a voice in an attempt to match the target template, thereby improving the efficiency of the exercise by allowing the patient to see the difference between the target performance and the current performance, in an attempt to match the target template.

The produced voice is captured, sampled, analyzed, and compared to the target template. If the comparison results in an error (e.g., if the patient vocal production is not properly captured, if the produced voice is below a threshold, and so on), an error indication is presented to the patient at a location that the error occurs; otherwise, a positive feedback is displayed to the patient. The various embodiments for capturing, sampling, analyzing, and comparing the produced voice to the target template are discussed below.

According to one embodiment, the produced voice may be visually demonstrated to provide an immediate visual feedback about the patient performance. In an embodiment, the visual demonstration may include voice coloring that is achieved by two different colors differentiating between the “softness” and “hardness” of the patient's voice. A visual demonstration may include any color in the color schema, a pattern, an image, and the like. This allows the patient to better understand how the vocal cords are pressed. The voice coloring and the comparisons to the target templates are demonstrated in exemplary FIGS. 4A and 4B. It should be appreciated that the immediate visual feedback, e.g., by the coloring of the voice allows self-treatment and further allows explaining the different aspects of the speech treatment. As noted above, an appropriate feedback is needed for optimal success of fluency shaping treatment.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show exemplary screenshots 400A and 400B, respectively, illustrating the target template 410 and the visual representation 420 (voice coloring) of the voice produced by the patient. The visual representation 420 includes two differently colored portions 421 and 422, related to production of soft and loud sounds, respectively by the patient. In the example of FIG. 4A, the patient performs well and, thus, a positive indication 430 is displayed. In the example of FIG. 4B, the patient did not perform well (i.e., the procured voice did not match the target template sufficiently) and, thus, error and instructive indications 440 are displayed. It should be noted that, in addition to or instead of the indications 440, the therapist, through the device 120-n, can remotely demonstrate by a video chat how to perform the exercise. Alternatively or collectively, an instructive video clip can be displayed to the user upon detection of one or more errors. It should be noted that the indications 440 other than indicating the type of error can provide instructions for how to improve for the next voice production, such as speaking at a lower rate, breathing before the next syllable, and so on.

In another embodiment, a breathing indicator (not shown) is displayed to the patient showing the duration of time that the user needs to breathe before trying another target template. The breathing time may be set according to the exercise being performed and the level of the patient. The duration of time can be set by the therapist or automatically by the server 130 or the agent 125-1. Training a patient through breathing (inhaling) in a relaxed manner reduces stuttering. Thus, properly breathing before voice production improves the patient's performance with respect to the target template. In an embodiment, the breathing indicator is displayed as the agent 125-1 identifies that the patient ends voice production.

An exemplary and non-limiting screenshot 500 illustrating the breathing indicator 510 is illustrated in FIG. 5. In one embodiment, the breathing indicator 510 is realized as a progress bar. Other visual breathing indicators may include, but are not limited to, a timer, a stopwatch, a sand clock, and the like. As shown in FIG. 5, the breathing indicator 510 is displayed immediately after the voice production is ended (i.e., silence).

In yet another embodiment, the agent 125-1 is configured to measure the rate of fluent speech and to provide a visual speed monitor (not shown) on the display. This allows implementation of the fluency shaping techniques in spontaneous speech at different speech rates, e.g., a controlled, fast, and slow speech rate. The visual feedback includes both a “colored” display of the produced voice as discussed above and a rate-meter showing a current speech rate of the patient. The speech rate is measured and displayed as the patient produces sounds. The speech rate may be measured as syllables per second.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary and non-limiting screenshot 600 illustrating a speech rate monitor 610. The speech rate monitor 600 displays three stages for the different speech rates: slow (611), controlled (612), and normal (613). The needle 614 of the speech rate monitor 600 displays the currently measured rate of speed. As part of the exercise, the produced voice may be colored with two different colors as displayed in a window 620. As can be noticed, error and instructive indications 630 can be also displayed respective of the voice production. In certain embodiments, progress bars 640 are shown, displaying the user performance related to past voice productions.

It should be appreciated that the speech rate monitor 610 aids in the maintenance of a regular or predetermined speech rate during a practice and, in turn, helps the patient to maintain speech fluency over time. The speech rate monitor 610 gives feedback about the expected rate as well as about the deviations from that expected rate. This monitor can help a patient in transferring the fluency shaping techniques learned to spontaneous speech using a slow-normal rate of speech (standardized/regulated).

It should be noted that some or all of the embodiments described above with respect to the agent 125 can equally be performed by the server 130. For example, the server 130 may receive voice samples, process the samples, and generate the visual feedbacks to the user devices 120. As another example, the server 130 may receive voice samples, process the samples, and send the processing results to the agents for rendering of the visual feedbacks

In some implementations, each of the user devices 120 and the server 130 typically includes a processing system (not shown) connected to a memory (not shown). The memory contains a plurality of instructions that are executed by the processing system. Specifically, the memory may include machine-readable media for storing software. Software shall be construed broadly to mean any type of instructions, whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise. Instructions may include code (e.g., in source code format, binary code format, executable code format, or any other suitable format of code). The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the processing system to perform the various functions described herein.

The processing system may comprise or be a component of a larger processing system implemented with one or more processors. The one or more processors may be implemented with any combination of general-purpose microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate array (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers, state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware components, dedicated hardware finite state machines, or any other suitable entities that can perform calculations or other manipulations of information.

It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the specific architecture illustrated in FIG. 1, and other architectures may be equally used without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. Specifically, the server 130 may reside in the cloud computing platform, a datacenter, and the like. Moreover, in an embodiment, there may be a plurality of servers 130 operating as described hereinabove and configured to either have one as a standby, to share the load between them, or to split the functions between them.

FIG. 7 is a non-limiting and exemplary diagram 700 illustrating the process of processing voice signals for providing an immediate visual feedback with respect to the performance of a patient according to an embodiment. The visual feedback is with respect to an exercise being performed by the patient.

The process begins with audio sampling of the voice produced by a user of the system. The voice, as captured by a microphone 705, is sampled by an audio/digital converter 710. The microphone 705 may be, e.g., a microphone installed on a user device (e.g., the patient device 120-1). The sampling may be performed at a predefined rate. As a non-limiting example, the sampling rate is 800 Hz.

The voice samples produced during a predefined time interval are buffered into a buffer 720 to create voice chunks out of the samples. A duration of a single voice chunk is greater than a duration sample. In an embodiment, the size of each voice chunk may depend on a configuration of the buffer. The voice chunks may be output from the buffer at a predefined rate, for example, 10 Hz. The output voice chunks are then filtered by a low pass filter (LPF) 730 to remove or reduce any noises. In certain configurations, the LPF 730 can be applied prior to chunking of the voice samples, i.e., before the buffer 720.

The voice chunks are converted from the time domain to the frequency domain using a fast Fourier transform (FFT) module 740. Having the signals (voice chunks) in the frequency domain allows for extraction of spectrum features by a spectrum analyzer 750. Analysis of the spectrum features may be utilized to determine the quality and correctness of the voice production.

In an embodiment, the spectrum analyzer 750 extracts spectrum features that are valuable for the processing of the voice production. To this end, the zero edge frequencies may be removed and dominant frequencies may be maintained. In an embodiment, dominant frequencies are frequencies in the spectrum having an absolute amplitude level higher than a predefined threshold. In another embodiment, dominant frequencies are frequencies in the spectrum having an absolute frequency level higher than a predefined threshold. In yet another embodiment, two sets of dominant frequencies are output based on the frequencies and on the amplitudes.

The spectrum analyzer 750 computes the energy level of the dominant frequencies to output an energy level for each voice chunk. The energy may be computed as the average over the dominant frequencies. The computed energy level is represented as an integrated number. In an embodiment, the energy level can be factored by a predefined power. An exemplary energy computation may be seen in Equation 1, below:

E _(f)(ω₁,ω₂)=β∫_(ω1) ^(ωR) |F(ω)|^(k) dω  Equation 1

Where, ‘ω_(i) (i=1, . . . , R) are the number of dominant frequencies in the spectrum. The factor ‘β’ is a predefined number, while the power k′ may be equal to or greater than 2. The computed energy level E_(f) is of a single voice chunk and is input to a feedback generator 760, an error generator 770, and a rate-meter generator 780.

The feedback generator 760 plots the visual feedback respective of the voice production. The energy of each chunk is a point in the graph illustrating the voice production (for example, see FIG. 3). The feedback generator 760 colors the voice production to illustrate soft voice sounds and loud voice sounds. In an embodiment, the two different colors are utilized to show soft and loud voices, respectively. In an embodiment, an energy level E_(f) of a single chuck that is below a “volume threshold” is determined to be a soft voice and an energy level E_(f) of a single chuck that is above the volume threshold is determined to be a loud voice.

The volume threshold may be determined during a calibration process of a function of energy measured during silence (E_(s)) and/or during a normal speaking of the user (E_(n)). The function can be an average or weighted average of the E_(s) and E_(n) values. One non-limiting example for performing the calibration process will be described in detail below.

In a further embodiment, the feedback generator 760 dynamically sets the boundaries of the target template (shadow graph) to visually indicate to the patient when to start and end the voice production. To this end, the feedback generator 760 compares the energy level E_(f) to the silence energy (E_(s)). When the energy level E_(f) is greater than the silence energy (E_(s)), the beginning of a voice production may be determined, and the start and finish indicators as well as the shadow graph may be rendered and displayed on the patient device. The finish indicator may be set to be displayed a predefined time interval after the start indicator. An exemplary shadow graph with start and end indicators is shown in FIG. 3.

The feedback generator 760 is further configured to display a breathing indicator as the voice production ends. To this end, the feedback generator 760 compares the energy level E_(f) to the normal production energy (E_(n)). When E_(f) is lower than E_(n), the end of a voice production may be determined, and the breathing indicator may be rendered and displayed on the patient device. An exemplary breathing indicator is illustrated in FIG. 5.

The error generator 770 is configured to compare a voice production (between start and finish) to a respective target template. The comparison is for the entire voice production such that all computed energy levels E_(f) of the voice chunks are buffered and analyzed to detect an error related to the production of the voice. Specifically, the detected errors are related to the patient's performance with respect to various fluency shaping exercises.

Following are non-limiting examples for errors that can be detected: a gentle onset, a soft peak, a gentle offset, a volume control, a pattern usage, a missed of a subsequence voice production, a symmetry of the voice production, a short inhale, a too slow voice production, a too fast voice production, a too short voice production, a long voice production, and an intense peak voice production.

As an example, a “too soft” error indicates that the air-flow between syllables is too low. The detected errors provide the user with an immediate feedback on how she/he may improve her/his voice production. It should be noted that, if no error is detected, a positive feedback may be provided to the user. Various examples for displaying the errors are shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

In one embodiment, the analysis of the voice production respective of the target pattern is not a one-to-one comparison, but rather checking if the computed energy levels match the target pattern in amplitude and/or direction. In another embodiment, the analysis of the voice production respective of the target pattern is a one-to-one comparison, where matching to target template (graph) is required. In yet another embodiment, both of the comparison approaches can be utilized.

A non-limiting example for detecting a too soft error is now explained with reference to FIG. 8. The total number 810 of energy levels (E_(f)) computed during a voice production and the energy levels E_(f) 820 above the calibration energy level E_(CAL) are counted. Then, if the percentage of the energy levels E_(f) above E_(CAL) is below a predefined value, the voice production is considered to introduce a too soft error.

The rate-meter generator 780 is configured to measure the number of syllables per second in voice production and to render a speech rate monitor. In an embodiment, the rate-meter generator 780 operates in three ranges: controlled, slow, and normal. In order to measure the speech rate, the number of peaks of energy levels (E_(f)) in the voice production are counted, where each such peak represent a syllable. When measuring the speech rate, the duration of a voice chunk can be shortened relative to other exercises. For example, the voice chunk duration can be changed from 100 msec to 20 msec. An exemplary graphical representation of speech rate monitor generated by the rate-meter generator is shown in FIG. 6.

In certain embodiments, the rate-meter generator 780 and/or the error generator 770 can be utilized as a monitor when the patient (or user) is not in a traditional therapy session. For example, if the agent 125-1 is operable in a smart phone of a user, the agent 125-1 by means of the rate-meter generator 780 can be activated and monitor the speech rate of a user using a conversation with another person (e.g., a telephone conversation). When the rate is not according to a threshold of a predefined speech rate (e.g., too slow or fast), a notification may be provided to the user. When the rate is not according to a threshold of a normal speech rate (e.g., too slow or fast), a notification may be provided to the user. The form notification may any form known in the art (e.g., text message, audio message, an image, etc.).

As another limiting example, if the agent 125-1 is operable in a tablet computer of a user, the agent 125-1 by means of the error generator 770 can be activated and monitor the speech respective of any fluency shaping technique previously practiced by the user. The agent acting as a monitor can detect errors during a conversation of a user with another person (e.g., a telephone conversation). The user can be notified during the conversation about these errors. The different type of errors are discussed in above. In an embodiment, such errors are presented as instructive indications (e.g., the indications 440).

In an embodiment, when the conversation ends, the agent 125-1 may be configured to invite the user to practice an exercise or exercises respective of the detected errors. In certain non-limiting implementations, spectrograms 790 can be utilized to analyze the voice productions. Specifically, the spectrograms 790 can be used to identify spoken words phonetically. In a particular embodiment, the spectrograms 790 can be used to identify vowels and consonants in the voice production and to compare the identified vowels and consonants to known vowels and consonants. In an embodiment, the identified vowels and consonants can be utilized in an analysis of at least one stimulus production in comparison to a known template.

The various elements discussed with reference to FIG. 7, can be implemented as hardware, firmware, software or any combination thereof. When implemented may include one or more electronic circuits for processing audio signals or one or more processing systems. Examples for a processing system are provided above.

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary and non-limiting flowchart 900 illustrating a method for enabling remote speech disorder therapy according to an embodiment. The speech disorders that can be treated may include, but are not limited to, stuttering, cluttering, diction, and others.

At S910, a network communication channel is established between a patient device and a therapist device. The network communication channel can be established as a peer-to-peer connection. In an embodiment, the communication channel is established after authenticating the patient and optionally also the therapist.

At S920, the parameters of a current therapy session are set on the patient device. Such parameters may be retrieved from a database and include at least exercises to be practiced and their respective target templates. The exercises may further include difficulty settings. Each difficulty setting may be associated with an exercise. In an embodiment, the parameters include customized content to be uploaded by the patient and/or the therapist. As an example, the customized content may include text to be read by the patient. The customized content can be uploaded before, during, and/or after the current session. It should be noted that the ability to practice customized content allows the patient to conduct therapy sessions at his/her convenience.

At S930, the patient device is calibrated. In an embodiment, the energy level (E_(s)) during a silence period (during which the patient is prompted to remain quiet) is measured or otherwise computed. The energy level (E_(n)) during a normal speaking period (during which the patient is prompted to talk) is measured or otherwise computed. The measurement or computation of an energy level is discussed above. Finally, a calibration energy level (E_(CAL)) is computed as a function of the E_(n) and E_(s). For example, the function can be an average, a weighted average, and so on. In certain embodiments, a calibration factor received from a different device in the proximity of the patient device can be utilized in the determined E_(CAL).

At S940, as the patient performs each selected exercise and a visual representation of the patient's performance is generated and displayed on the patient and therapist devices. As discussed in detail above, the visual representation includes coloring the voice production, displaying the voice production with respect to a target template, displaying the boundaries when to start and finish a voice production, displaying error and instructive indications, displaying breading indicators, and/or displaying a speech rate-meter.

Optionally, at S950, a video chat is established between the patient and therapist devices. During the video chat, the therapist can demonstrate or instruct the patient how to correctly perform an exercise. Alternatively or collectively, an instructive video clip can be displayed to the user. It should be noted that the therapist can demonstrate or instruct the patient how to correctly perform an exercise using any means of digital content. This includes, for example, text files, images, audio clips, and so on. As noted above, the therapist can further change the difficulty level of the exercises to make them easier or harder.

At S960, the patient performance during the therapy session is logged and sent to a database (e.g., database 140). As a non-limiting example, this allows off-line processing with regard to past performance, determining the progress of the patient, modifying current exercises for the user, adding new exercises, and/or determining the frequency that the user is practicing and the length of each practice session.

It should be appreciated that the qualitative analysis of the patient's performance of the various exercises allows determination of the types of errors and difficulties that the patient repeatedly has. This determination allows for creation of a personalized treatment program that would encourage review of content as needed and match the stimuli in the exercise to the specific difficulties the user is experiencing.

In an embodiment, the visual feedback disclosed herein can be provided through the use of electronic games through which acoustical energy is transformed to visual output (through the analysis of intensity and frequency), by referring to different parameters that are related to speech fluency shaping. Learning and practice using electronic games encourages motivation and cooperation among, for example, children, and provides them with access to the various important elements required to produce fluent speech, which thereby allows for better learning and assimilation.

The various disclosed embodiments have been discussed with a reference to providing visual feedbacks in response to a patient's performance. It should be noted that feedbacks generated in response to a patient's performance can be generated in the form of an auditory feedback, a haptic feedback, and the like.

It should be noted that FIG. 9 is described herein with respect to a single patient device and a single therapist device merely for simplicity purposes and without limitation on the disclosed embodiments. Multiple patient devices and/or therapist devices may be utilized. Additionally, no therapist device is required and a patient device may conduct the method of FIG. 9 without a therapist.

Furthermore, the steps of the method 900 are shown in a specific order merely for simplicity purposes and without limitation on the disclosed embodiments. The method steps can be performed in different sequences without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Any or all of the steps of the method 900 may be repeated, preferably in response to user inputs indicating a desire to revisit one or more of the steps.

The various embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as hardware, firmware, software or any combination thereof. Moreover, the software is preferably implemented as an application program tangibly embodied on a program storage unit, a non-transitory computer readable medium, or a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium that can be in a form of a digital circuit, an analog circuit, a magnetic medium, or combination thereof. The application program may be uploaded to, and executed by, a machine comprising any suitable architecture. Preferably, the machine is implemented on a computer platform having hardware such as one or more central processing units (“CPUs”), a memory, and input/output interfaces. The computer platform may also include an operating system and microinstruction code. The various processes and functions described herein may be either part of the microinstruction code or part of the application program, or any combination thereof, which may be executed by a CPU, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown. In addition, various other peripheral units may be connected to the computer platform such as an additional data storage unit and a printing unit. Furthermore, a non-transitory computer readable medium is any computer readable medium except for a transitory propagating signal.

While the disclosed embodiments have been described at some length and with some particularity with respect to the several described embodiments, it is not intended that it should be limited to any such particulars or embodiments or any particular embodiment, but it is to be construed with references to the appended claims so as to provide the broadest possible interpretation of such claims in view of the prior art and, therefore, to effectively encompass the intended scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, the foregoing describes the disclosure in terms of embodiments foreseen by the inventor for which an enabling description was available, notwithstanding that insubstantial modifications of the disclosed embodiments, not presently foreseen, may nonetheless represent equivalents thereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for enabling remote speech disorder therapy, comprising: setting a first device with at least one exercise to be performed during a current therapy session, wherein each exercise includes at least a difficulty parameter; receiving a voice production of a user of the first device; processing the received voice production to evaluate a correct execution of the voice production respective of the at least one difficulty parameter; generating a feedback based on the analysis; and outputting the generated feedback to the first device.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: establishing a network communication channel between the first device and a second device; and outputting the generated feedback to the second device, thereby enabling a user of the second device to remotely monitor the execution of the at least one exercise.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: receiving instructions from the second device, wherein the instructions include at least one of: a video stream, a video clip, a text file, an image, and an audio clip.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the user of the first device is a patient and the user of the second device is a therapist.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the generated feedback is at least a visual feedback.
 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: rendering a target template respective of the at least one exercise and the received voice production; and displaying the target template at least on the first device corresponding to the received voice production.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the displayed target template includes at least one of: a start boundary, a finish boundary, and a top boundary.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the target template and at least the start boundary are displayed as the voice production is received.
 9. The method of claim 5, wherein generating feedback based on the analysis further comprises: coloring the voice production using at least a first color and a second color, wherein the first color represents a loud sound produced by the user and the second color represents a soft sound produced by the user; and displaying at least one of: a positive indication upon performing a correct execution, and an instructive indication upon performing an incorrect execution.
 10. The method of claim 5, wherein the at least one exercise includes a sequence having a plurality of target templates that require the user to produce a sequence of voice productions.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: providing a breathing indicator, wherein the breathing indicator represents a duration of time that the user needs to breathe before trying a subsequent target template, wherein the duration of time is determined based on the at least one difficulty parameter.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising: measuring a speech rate respective of the analysis; and displaying a speech-rate meter respective of the measured speech rate.
 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising: performing an audio calibration process for the first user device, wherein the audio calibration process provides at least a normal speech energy level, a silence energy level, and a calibration energy level.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein processing the received voice production further comprises: sampling the received voice production to create voice samples; buffering the voice samples to create voice chunks; converting the voice chunks from a time domain to a frequency domain; extracting spectrum features from each of the frequency domain voice chunks, wherein the spectrum features include at least dominant frequencies, wherein each dominant frequency corresponds to a voice chunk; computing, for each voice chunk, the energy level of the corresponding dominant frequency; and determining, for each voice chunk, an energy level of the voice chunk based on the energy level of the corresponding dominant frequency.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: determining a correctness of the execution of the voice production based on the energy levels of the voice chunks and at least one of: the normal speech energy level, the silence energy level, and the calibration energy level.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the correctness determination results in at least one error related to an incorrect execution of the voice production, wherein each error is any of: a gentle onset, a soft peak, a gentle offset, a volume control, a pattern usage, a miss of a subsequent voice production, an asymmetry of the voice production, a short inhale, a slow voice production, a fast voice production, a short voice production, a long voice production, and an intense peak voice production.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one exercise is related to fluency shaping.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one exercise is related to customized content.
 19. The method of claim 1, further comprising: generating a reporting summarizing the execution of the voice production throughout the current therapy session; and saving the report.
 20. The method of claim 1, wherein the speech disorder therapy is for at least one of: stuttering, cluttering, and diction.
 21. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon instructions for causing one or more processing units to execute the method according to claim
 1. 22. A device for enabling remote speech disorder therapy, comprising: an interface for receiving a voice production of a user of a first user device; a processing unit; and a memory coupled to the processing unit, the memory containing instructions that, when executed by the processing unit, configure the device to: set the first user device with at least one exercise to be performed during a current therapy session, wherein each exercise includes at least a difficulty parameter; receive the voice production of the user of the first device; analyze the received voice production to evaluate a correct execution of the voice production respective of the at least one difficulty parameter; generate a feedback respective of the analysis; and output the generated feedback to the first device.
 23. The device of claim 22, wherein the device is further configured to: establish a network communication channel between the first device and a second device; and output the generated feedback to the second device, thereby enabling a user of the second device to remotely monitor the execution of the at least one exercise.
 24. The device of claim 23, wherein the device is further configured to: receive instructions from the second device, wherein the instructions include at least one of: a video stream, a video clip, a text file, an image, and an audio clip.
 25. The device of claim 23, wherein the user of the first device is a patient and the user of the second device is a therapist.
 26. The device of claim 22, wherein the generated feedback is at least a visual feedback.
 27. The device of claim 26, wherein the device is further configured to: render a target template respective of the at least one exercise and the received voice production; and display the target template at least on the first device corresponding to the received voice production.
 28. The device of claim 27, wherein the displayed target template includes at least one of: a start boundary, a finish boundary, and a top boundary.
 29. The device of claim 28, wherein the target template and at least the start boundary are displayed as the voice production is received.
 30. The device of claim 26, wherein the device is further configured to: color the voice production using at least a first color and a second color, wherein the first color represents a loud sound produced by the user and the second color represents a soft sound produced by the user; and display at least one of: a positive indication upon performing a correct execution, and an instructive indication upon performing an incorrect execution.
 31. The device of claim 26, wherein the at least one exercise includes a sequence having a plurality of target templates that require the user to produce a sequence of voice productions.
 32. The device of claim 31, wherein the device is further configured to: provide a breathing indicator, wherein the breathing indicator represents a duration of time that the user needs to breathe before trying a subsequent target template, wherein the duration of time is determined based on the at least one difficulty parameter.
 33. The device of claim 22, wherein the device is further configured to: measure a speech rate respective of the analysis; and display a speech-rate meter respective of the measured speech rate.
 34. The device of claim 22, wherein the device is further configured to: perform an audio calibration process for the first user device, wherein the audio calibration process provides at least a normal speech energy level, a silence energy level, and a calibration energy level.
 35. The device of claim 34, wherein the device is further configured to: sample the received voice production to create voice samples; buffer the voice samples to create voice chunks; convert the voice chunks from a time domain to a frequency domain; extract spectrum features from each of the frequency domain voice chunks, wherein the spectrum features include at least dominant frequencies, wherein each dominant frequency corresponds to a voice chunk; compute, for each voice chunk, the energy level of the corresponding dominant frequency; and determine, for each voice chunk, an energy level of the voice chunk based on the energy level of the corresponding dominant frequency.
 36. The device of claim 35, wherein the device is further configured to: determine a correctness of the execution of the voice production based on the energy levels of the voice chunks and at least one of: the normal speech energy level, the silence energy level, and the calibration energy level.
 37. The device of claim 36, wherein the correctness determination results in at least one error related to an incorrect execution of the voice production, wherein each error is any of: a gentle onset, a soft peak, a gentle offset, a volume control, a pattern usage, a miss of a subsequent voice production, an asymmetry of the voice production, a short inhale, a slow voice production, a fast voice production, a short voice production, a long voice production, and an intense peak voice production.
 38. The device of claim 22, wherein the at least one exercise is related to fluency shaping.
 39. The device of claim 38, wherein the at least one exercise is related to customized content.
 40. The device of claim 22, wherein the device is further configured to: generate a reporting summarizing the execution of the voice production throughout the current therapy session; and save the report.
 41. The device of claim 22, wherein the speech disorder therapy is for at least one of: stuttering, cluttering, and diction
 42. A method for monitoring a speech of a user, comprising: capturing, by a user device, a voice production during a conversation of the user; analyzing the voice production to detect at least a fluency shaping error; and upon detecting the fluency shaping error, generating an instructive notification for improving the speech of the user during the conversation.
 43. The method of claim 42, wherein the fluency shaping error is an abnormal speech rate.
 44. The method of claim 43, further comprising: analyzing the voice production to measure a speech rate of the user; comparing the measured speech rate to a threshold indicating a normal speech rate to determine whether the measured speech rate meets the threshold; and upon determining that the measured speech rate does not meet the threshold, generating the instructive notification to indicate the measured speech rate respective of the threshold.
 45. The method of claim 42, further comprising: triggering the user to practice a fluency shaping exercise respective of the detected error.
 46. The method of claim 42, wherein the fluency shaping error is any of: a gentle onset, a soft peak, a gentle offset, a volume control, a pattern usage, a miss of a subsequent voice production, an asymmetry of the voice production, a short inhale, a slow voice production, a fast voice production, a short voice production, a long voice production, and an intense peak voice production.
 47. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon instructions for causing one or more processing units to execute the method according to claim
 42. 48. A device for monitoring a speech of a user, comprising: an interface for receiving a voice production of a user of a first user device; a processing unit; and a memory coupled to the processing unit, the memory containing instructions that, when executed by the processing unit, configure the device to: set the first user device with at least one exercise to be performed during a current therapy session, wherein each exercise includes at least a difficulty parameter; capture, by a user device, the voice production during a conversation of the user; analyze the voice production to detect at least a fluency shaping error; upon detecting the fluency shaping error, generate an instructive notification for improving the speech of the user during the conversation.
 49. The device of claim 48, wherein the fluency shaping error is an abnormal speech rate.
 50. The device of claim 48, wherein the device is further configured to: analyze the voice production to measure a speech rate of the user; compare the measured speech rate to a threshold indicating a normal speech rate to determine whether the measured speech rate meets the threshold; and upon determining that the measured speech rate does not meet the threshold, generate the instructive notification to indicate the measured speech rate respective of the threshold.
 51. The device of claim 48, wherein the device is further configured to: trigger the user to practice a fluency shaping exercise respective of the detected error.
 52. The device of claim 18, wherein the fluency shaping error is any of: a gentle onset, a soft peak, a gentle offset, a volume control, a pattern usage, a miss of a subsequent voice production, an asymmetry of the voice production, a short inhale, a slow voice production, a fast voice production, a short voice production, a long voice production, and an intense peak voice production. 